Seminary procurator suspected of murder

June 10, 2013

A Catholic priest continues to be a suspect in the case of a seminary rector killed in a Bangalore seminary two months ago. He will undergo narco-analysis tests soon, an investigation officer said.

The police have already conducted brain mapping on Father Patrick Xavier, procurator of St Peter's Pontifical seminary, who first found the body of Rector Father K. J. Thomas on April 1. Brain mapping tests have also been conducted on two workers at the seminary.

"We are verifying all angles" said officer V.S. D'Souza, adding that they could not "rule out any of them" as they search for the motive for the murder of the 62-year-old priest. He also added that Father Xavier's "behavior appeared to be suspicious."

Narco-analysis entails administering chemicals to render the subject semi-conscious and make it difficult for them to lie.

The rector's body was found lying in a pool of blood in a corridor near his room. Preliminary investigations indicate that he was attacked after answering a knock on his door.

Officer D’Souza dismissed allegations that police have made no headway two months after the crime and said "we are moving in the right direction, but I cannot give you details."

The seminary began its new academic year on June 3 with vice rector Father Savarimuthu Stanislas appointed as acting rector. Fr Stanislas denied suggestions that the seminary and Church people are trying to protect those responsible for the killing.

"We also want to know the truth. We, the students and staff want to know why such a simple man was killed and who did it," he told ucanews.com.

He said the seminary is going through "a traumatic experience" with its rector killed and its procurator suspected. "But we are fully cooperating" and are determined to do everything to help the police investigation, he said.

Father A. Rayappan, president of St. Peter's institute, which oversees the academic activities, said it is too early to say how the students have taken the incidents.

"They are back after summer holidays only a week ago. But certainly there is less joy," he said.

Want more stories like this?Sign up to UCAN Daily or Weekly newsletter.